Hydraulic Leak Detection Valve for Reverse Osmosis Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art reverse osmosis filter systems lack integrated leak detection and control, requiring separate installations and electrical connections for solenoid-operated shut-off valves, which are not practical for mass-produced systems.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained reverse osmosis filtration system with a hydraulically operated water sensing valve and a collection pan that accumulates leaks, triggering the valve to shut off the water supply without the need for electrical connections, ensuring leak detection and control are integrated into the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate electrical connections and solenoid-operated shut-off valves are installed for leak detection, then leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leak detection sensing function and the shut-off valve operation into a single integrated mechanical device. The water-activated shut-off valve incorporates both the leak sensing mechanism and the valve closure mechanism in one unit, eliminating the need for separate electrical sensors and control systems. This merging resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable leak detection without increasing device complexity or installation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off valve is designed to activate automatically when water contacts its sensing mechanism, without requiring external electrical power or control systems. The valve uses the leaking water itself as the activation medium, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate electrical connections. This self-service approach improves reliability while reducing installation complexity.
2Extent of automation
If electrical connections are required for leak detection and shut-off valve operation, then automated leak response is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensing and control mechanisms with a purely mechanical water-activated shut-off valve. The valve uses mechanical elements such as a float, lever, or direct water contact to detect leaks and trigger closure, eliminating the need for electrical components. This substitution maintains automated leak response while dramatically improving ease of manufacture and reducing costs by removing electrical connection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off valve utilizes hydraulic principles where leaking water directly actuates the valve mechanism through water pressure and flow. The water itself serves as both the detected substance and the actuating medium, using hydraulic force to close the valve automatically. This approach achieves full automation without electrical systems, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
3Productivity
If mass-produced integrated systems are implemented, then productivity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but adaptability to different installation spaces may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the filtration system into separate functional modules: filter cartridges, a manifold assembly, and a water-activated shut-off valve. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standardized mass production techniques, then assembled at the installation site. The modular design maintains productivity benefits while enabling adaptation to different installation spaces, as components can be configured to fit various available spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-activated shut-off valve is designed as a universal component that can be integrated into various filtration system configurations. The valve's mounting structure and connection interfaces are standardized to work with different cartridge arrangements and installation geometries. This universality allows mass-produced integrated systems to maintain adaptability across different installation spaces while benefiting from standardized manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a practical, cost-effective, and user-friendly leak detection and control mechanism that is automatically integrated into the reverse osmosis filtration system, ensuring immediate protection against leaks without the need for additional installations or electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulically operated water sensing valve
Implementation Method 2
reverse osmosis filtration system
Data Source
AI summary
Reverse osmosis filter apparatus having a reverse osmosis filter system, a pan connected to the reverse osmosis filter system and located at the bottom thereof to collect water that leaks from the reverse osmosis filter system and a water sensing shut-off valve connected to the pan, the water sensing shut-off valve being coupled between a raw water input and the reverse osmosis filter system, the water sensing shut-off valve being connected to the pan at a location to sense the presence of water collecting in the pan and to disconnect the reverse osmosis filter system from the raw water input when the presence of water is sensed. Various features and embodiments are disclosed.